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Corona protective masks are no longer the same masks! At least in the German state of Bavaria. Starting Monday, FFP2 masks are mandatory on local public transport and in stores. Concerns about an explosive spread of the mutation of the British crown had led the cabinet of Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU) to this drastic adjustment.
FFP2 masks, known until now mainly to specialists, are also becoming a topic of conversation in Switzerland. Mutated corona viruses are also increasing the demand for high-security masks here.
BLICK has compiled the most important information on safer mouth and nose coverage.
In Bavaria the following are mandatory: Swiss FFP2 masks disappear like a warm Weggli(00:56)
What are FFP2 skins anyway?
The most important difference from the usual hygienic masks previously: by wearing an FFP2 mask, you not only protect your environment, but also yourself! This is made possible by a filter that is permeable to air on one side and reliably filters particles up to a certain size from the air on the other. FFP masks are divided into three categories based on the protection they offer.
What categories of masks are there?
To be declared in Category 2, high security masks must retain at least 94 percent of all particulates. Before Corona, FFP2 masks were used primarily by craftsmen, painters and, of course, in the healthcare sector. FFP3 masks provide even better protection: they filter at least 99 percent of all particles from the air.
How to protect effectively these masks before the coronavirus?
When used correctly, aerosols have little chance of passing FFP2 masks. This means that they offer much more protection against viruses than the widely used single-use hygienic masks. But be careful: if the mask is not placed correctly on the face, the particles can still be inhaled through the gaps between the edge of the mask and the cheek or chin, which means that protection against viruses is up to the past. As the “Spiegel” reports, FFP2 masks do not offer sufficient protection, especially for beards. Important Tip: Masks should only be touched after hand washing or disinfection. And then just the straps, but never the mask itself.
Are there different forms of FFP2 masks?
The FFP2 masks are offered in two different forms. There are those who have an exhalation valve and others without it. You should avoid those with valves at least during the pandemic. They do not offer any third party protection and therefore can lead to possible contamination of your environment with the virus.
Where can I buy the cheapest FFP2 masks?
FFP2 masks are currently available primarily in hardware stores and pharmacies. In terms of price, most of the suppliers are in the same region: in Migros’ gardening and construction department, there are ten valveless for a good 40 francs. In other words: a mask costs 4 francs. For comparison: a disposable mask costs about 20 cents. At Coop Bau + Hobby there are three masks for 15 francs. It seems similar in terms of prices at various pharmacies. The Swiss manufacturer Flawa offers 40 pieces for about 130 francs.
Aren’t there cheaper masks on the internet?
In fact, the masks are significantly cheaper on the Internet: the online retailer Galaxus (part of Migros) offers ten for 24 francs. Consequently, demand from online retailers is vigorous: “Demand has increased fivefold since the beginning of January,” says spokeswoman Norina Brun. But beware: there are also dubious providers on the Internet. Please check carefully that there are no additional shipping costs and customs fees.
Would Switzerland be adequately supplied in case an FFP2 mask is required?
If the Federal Council proclaimed the FFP2 mask requirement tomorrow, Switzerland would be ready. The army pharmacy has 3.2 million masks in stock and plans to buy another 4 million soon. Retailers would have to stock up first: German discount store Aldi currently has no FFP2 skins in its range. Lidl will offer them for the first time on Monday. Migros spokesman Marcel Schlatter says: “Our warehouses are well stocked, but it goes without saying that we never have enough quantities to supply all of Switzerland.”
At Digitec Galaxus they say: “We have masks from various manufacturers in stock, so we are in an optimal position in case there is a bottleneck in the delivery of one manufacturer.” But you don’t expect that. The market is completely different from the first wave and is very busy producing. The online store Brack.ch is also said to be “guaranteed a lot of people.”
Are there also Swiss manufacturers of high security masks?
In Switzerland, the Flawa company in Flawil SG is benefiting from the boom. “Yes, we can produce 500,000 FFP2 masks per week,” Flawa spokesman Alfredo Schilirò tells BLICK. The domestic production of masks, which the company, which specializes in cotton products and fresh soles, started in the summer, is a consequence of the scandalous lack of masks in Switzerland during the shutdown.
Can I reuse my FFP2 mask?
This is generally not recommended. If the mask has been worn for more than eight hours or is soaked, it must be discarded immediately. Due to the high price of the masks, scientists at the Münster University of Applied Sciences have developed a system for their reuse. A different FFP2 mask is worn each day of the week and hung up for ventilation after use. After a week, the amount of virus has been reduced enough and can be reused. The procedure can be repeated a maximum of five times, the researchers write. Alternatively, the mask can be heated in the oven at 80 degrees for an hour with top and bottom heat. Here too: no more than five times. Scientists advise against other methods.
How likely is an FFP2 mask requirement to us?
It was only at this week’s federal press conference that Patrick Mathys of the Federal Office of Public Health said that the introduction of the FFP2 mask requirement to fight viruses was not currently an issue. “I’m not sure to what extent this can contribute to a reduction,” says Mathys. You want to wait for more study results.
